New Flinn Scholars Program policy to allow two-year academic leave

August 7, 2018

By brianpowell

Future Flinn Scholars, beginning with the Class of 2019, will be permitted to take a leave of absence from their university for up to four semesters, or two academic years. This is a change from the longstanding policy that allowed for a leave of up to two semesters.

A student must still complete one academic year in the Flinn Scholars Program at an Arizona public university, immediately following high-school graduation, before he or she is eligible for leave.

The four semesters may, but need not, be taken consecutively.

The Flinn Scholars Program made this policy change in response to conversations with prospective Scholars and their families. The changing nature of undergraduate education, in which fewer students complete their studies over eight consecutive semesters because of professional development or other reasons, also factored into the decision. In addition, program staff recognize that communication and technological changes now make it easier for Flinn Scholars on leave to stay connected with the Scholars community.